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Jordy and my gram have been my entire life for what seems like ages. And now that I have lost her, my very soul is his alone. When I thought Jordy had been untrue with Treena, even the air in my lungs was heavy. Nothing was right—not the sunlight, the stars, or the space around me. I cry out when he’s fully inside me.
Jordy breathes the words into my ear. “Am I hurting you, my love?”
“No, don’t stop.”
Our bodies are now one, the motions slow, like waves in a dark ocean that have always been lost but are now awakened. Jordy tries his best to keep control, but his need becomes too great and he moves faster now, but I like it. I slide my arms around his back and hold him tightly, my fingers sinking into his flesh.
“Yes, Jordy. Yes.”
My words excite him more and he lets out a sharp moan, allowing all of his weight to sink into me. We lie silent for a few moments, then Jordy kisses the end of my nose, both too giddy to speak at first.
Jordy breaks the silence. “You are my very soul, Milla. If I die this night, I will die a very rich man. Your worth is immeasurable. All that I am is in you.”
I roll over and recline atop him, his eyes the only depths I wish to sink into for the rest of my life.
“You will not die this night, my love. And you must promise me that when we go to reclaim my kingdom, you will stay alive, no matter what occurs.”
“Milla, that is a hefty—”
“Promise me,” I say more firmly. “I do not wish to live this life without you.”
He cups my face and his jaw clenches. “I promise.”
I love this man with all I am. He feels like comfort, the only real peace I own in this wretched world. For so long, Jordy was mywhat could be, the very thing I wished to be mine, even if I were never afforded anything else. Jordy was always enough. Now I am being told that the entire kingdom is mine, but Jordy is still everything. He is my sun, moon, stars, he is everything in this universe and more. And I will not lose him in this war to come. I will die first. That is my vow.
He kisses my forehead and stands. I watch him in his full glory as he makes his way to the entrance of the cave. “Dusk is approaching. I think it’s time to fetch your horse.”
I reluctantly agree. “I know. And when I see you again, we will be riding into battle. Do not forget your promise, Jordy. I couldn’t bear losing you. I don’t want a kingdom without you in it.”
My face is in his large hands again as he whispers, “I will not die, my love. I swear it.”
He has pledged it.
And so shall it be.
CHAPTER 23
The knock on my cottage door startles me and I set my ale on the table before opening it.
“Aye, your grace,” Master Philip says. “Your armor and dagger.” He bows and presents them to me.
I turn the dagger over in my hands then slip it into my long sleeve, the steel and flintstone blade fitting comfortably and the hilt snug enough to hold it in place. I am happily surprised when I can move my arms freely and the dagger remains well-hidden and secure. Philip is a true craftsman.
“It’s perfect,” I say. “Thank you, Master Philip.”
“Anything for my princess.” He looks at me for a moment and rubs his almost-there beard. “Begging your pardon, princess, but you look troubled. Are you nervous about the battle? I know I am.”
I’m admittedly shocked. “So, you are riding then, good sir?”
“Aye, your highness. I am pledged to fight for you and fight I shall.”
I remember his fear when face-to-face with Sir Malek, being challenged for a duel he was ill-prepared to possibly win, and yet he stands here willing to ride into battle for me. Truth be known, I am as clumsy a princess as he is a swordsman. I have no knowledge at all for grandeur and finery, no clue how to rule a kingdom. Maybe I am a fool to challenge King Urich.
“I hope I am worthy of your loyalty,” I admit to Philip. “My heart still feels like that of a peasant girl. What do I know of the crown?”
Philip closes the gap between us, his eyes searching mine. “What does any fool ever know of a crown, my lady? If unchallenged, King Urich will leave Timberness to that clod Malek. Does that seem at all wise to any soul who has ever encountered the brute? Do not lesson your worth as royalty, your grace. The future queen in your soul can feel your doubt and it weakens her. Timberness rallies for a strong queen, a queen with the heart of a peasant girl. A peasant girl who holds magic, no doubt. Our former queen was a mage from what I remember in school books. A peasant’s heart holding untapped magic. A powerful combination, if you ask me.”
My eyes dart up, unable to navigate words past the lump in my throat. “I am afraid that I possess no magic, dear Philip. I fear my parents’ magic died with them.”
